Anne Freier
- Senior Medical Writer, Publicis Health
- News Editor, Business of Apps
- Senior Medical Writer, Havas
London
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Articles by Anne Freier
Ultra-yodelling - What a monkey taught me about social media
High in the rainforests of Central America, a howler monkey (Alouatta caraya, for the taxonomically inclined) tilts its head and lets out a yodel that could startle milk back into a cow. It’s a guttural, three-octave spanning call that won’t be ignored. Scientists clock its range at around 90 decibels which is about as loud as a jackhammer. The “ultra-yodel” is meant to grab the attention of other monkeys and signal group belonging.
Mobile ad spending grows 9% while video surges by 11%
The mobile and digital advertising market in the UK saw an uptick of £13.8 billion in spending during the initial six months of 2023. That’s according to new data shared by IAB UK and PwC. Mobile video highly resilient Despite the UK’s economic fluctuations, the digital advertising arena remained robust in H1 2023, with a substantial investment of £13.8 billion. Notably, the mobile and video advertising sectors demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth during this period.
Doubts over 'X's user growth as app sees 13% decline in DAUs since 2022
It appears social media app X, formerly Twitter, may not boast the daily active users figure it’s claiming to have. As a consequence, the app is finding itself under intensifying scrutiny concerning its user statistics and the reliability of its officially disclosed figures. X sees drop in DAUs A recent in-depth examination conducted by Apptopia reveals a discrepancy in the numbers. According to their findings, X currently boasts approximately 121 million daily active users.
ChatGPT mobile reaches new milestone of 15.6 million downloads in September
By September, OpenAI’s ChatGPT mobile app has been downloaded 15.6 million times worldwide. But despite the surge in installation the app’s noticed a notable deceleration in revenue growth. Subscriber number levelling off In contrast to the robust 31% growth observed in July and the even more substantial 39% in August, September’s revenue growth tapered off to 20%.
Musk considers blocking X app in Europe and launches new subscription tiers
It seems that Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter for a staggering $44 billion and promptly rebranded it as X, is finding himself at odds with the stringent requirements imposed by the Digital Services Act (DSA) recently enforced by the European Commission. As a consequence, he’s apparently contemplating blocking the platform in Europe.
Social media usage declines on the back of evolving user motivations
Daily time spent on social media has decreased in 36 out of 48 markets tracked since 2022, according to the latest GWI social media trends report. This marks only the second time since tracking began in 2012 that global usage has declined year-on-year, with average daily usage in Q1 2023 falling below that of 2019. Has social media usage reached a plateau?
Generational insights: from boomers to Alpha, 50% embrace mobile gaming
It’s a busy week for gaming research with the latest research from Newzoo suggesting that mobile is still the most popular gaming platform across all generations and the only one that’s used by over half of any generation. We’ll take a deep dive below. Accessible, easy to use and free Mobile gaming remains the undisputed favourite platform across all generations, boasting the unique distinction of being the sole platform used by over 50% of any age group.
Mobile gaming offers diverse benefits as 71% of gamers notice reduced stress
71% of those playing games on mobile and other devices say that it reduces stress in just a few minutes. That’s according to the “Power of Play 2023” report, released by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which highlight the multifaceted advantages of gaming that reach far beyond mere entertainment. Let’s take a look. Gamers report boosted health The report finds that the majority of gamers said they noticed some stress reduction within just a few minutes of engaging in gaming.
43% of mobile gamers are boomers
Gaming is not just for the young as a recent survey by Monetizr, a platform for in-game ads, reveals, providing a fresh look at the world of mobile gaming and how gamers view ads. Based on responses from over 207,000 mobile gamers, the study sheds light on how brand marketers can engage and keep their gaming audience. Changing demographics The survey shows a big change in mobile gaming demographics.
Crunchyroll app surpasses $1 billion in global consumer spending
Crunchyroll, Sony’s app for streaming anime and manga content, has recently surpassed the $1 billion mark in global consumer spending. The achievement comes more than a decade after its initial launch in 2011, according to data.ai. Slow burner Crunchyroll has now joined a select group of only 101 mobile games and 26 mobile apps, including TikTok and Bumble, worldwide to achieve the milestone on both the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
Consumers to spend 50 billion hours in shopping apps in 2023
Shopping apps saw a notable uptake during the Covid years, but interest in using them hasn’t waned following the end of lockdowns. This year alone, consumers are estimated to be spending 50 billion hours in shopping apps on Android alone. That’s a 42% surge over 2020 which signifies a major shift in consumer patterns and preferences.
RPGs claim 60% of mobile game sales in South Korea
Role-playing games (RPGs) now dominate the South Korean gaming landscape, comprising 60% of mobile game sales. That’s according to new Sensor Tower data which shines a spotlight on RPGs and their subgenres in the country. Why are people playing RPGs? RPGs as a mobile game genre stand out due to their focus on character control, customisation, and story-driven progression, often involving battles with foes.
62% of marketers plan to use Instagram Reels for influencer campaigns by 2025
Brands continue to diversify the platforms they use for influencer marketing and yet Instagram continues to hold the top spot. Instagram Reels is emerging as the dominant influencer marketing platform in the US, according to the latest Influencer Marketing by Platform 2023 study from Insider Intelligence. In 2023, 53.7% of US marketers intend to incorporate it into their campaigns. Let’s dive in.
Hypercasual game downloads drop 8% in Q3 2023
In the third quarter of 2023, hypercasual game downloads hit the 3.5 billion mark, as indicated by a recent report from Appmagic. That’s an 8% drop from the 3.8 billion in the second quarter of 2023. What’s happening? Hypercasual downloads down 12.5% According to figures from Appmagic, hypercasual game downloads were down 12.5% compared to the same timeframe the previous year. The dwindling numbers in hypercasual game downloads have been noticeable over recent years.
Mobile gamers in the West spend twice as much in-game as those in the East
In 2023, mobile gaming is poised to claim a 56% share of gaming revenue, as per data from data.ai and IDC. Now a new study sheds light on the differences in mobile gaming behaviours between East and West. Let’s dive in.
App evolution: from fewer downloads to the rise of the super-apps
Around 98% of people who use smartphones (that’s approx. 255.8 million individuals) are expected to explore different apps this year, as stated in the Mobile App Users 2023 report by Insider Intelligence. However, there’s an interesting change happening: most users are now downloading fewer apps and sticking with their favourite ones in different categories. Bucking the trend The majority of new app users aren’t experts in technology; they’re just getting started with smartphones.
Hurdles for app developers: Apple enforces Chinese licensing on App Store
In a move towards adherence to local regulatory norms, tech giant Apple has recently mandated new apps to provide evidence of licensing from the Chinese government before making their debut on its China App Store. The shift is reflective of a strategy already in place among local competitors, including Tencent and Huawei, since 2017. Apple clamps down As Chinese lawmakers are clamping down on app stores, Apple is just now catching up with the practice of asking app makers to prove their conform.
Is Meta's latest social media venture Threads more of a revelation than we thought?
Meta’s new venture, Threads, may be changing the way we think about social media. Unlike most social networks that start from scratch and grow over time, Threads quickly joined forces with Instagram’s user base, and millions signed up in just a few weeks. What’s happening in social media? What is Threads all about? Understanding Threads’ unique vibe is crucial for brands, publishers, and advertisers who want to succeed here. But it seems users are still figuring out what the app is all about.
Summer travel app boom: 14% spike in usage
In the summer of 2023, there was an uptick in the utilisation of travel apps, surpassing the records of the preceding year. As per the most recent findings by data.ai, summer travellers exhibited an unprecedented reliance on their mobile devices. Let’s dive right in. 14% surge in travel app usage Between May and August 2023, Android smartphone users collectively dedicated four billion hours to travel apps, averaging over one billion hours each month. That’s a 14% surge compared to the previous year.
Mobile spending hits $100 billion milestone early in Q3
In the third quarter of 2023, global consumer spending on mobile devices hit a new milestone, reaching a total of $33.6 billion. This resurgence in spending suggests that the mobile market is making a strong comeback after a sluggish year in 2022, as reported by data.ai.
65% of companies increased their mobile ad budgets
Mobile app marketing’s performance is on a steady rise across industries. In 2023, 64.7% of global companies increased their mobile ad budgets compared to the previous year. For UK businesses, this number spiked to 67%, with a budget boost of over 29%. That’s according to new research from performance advertising experts Moloco. Let’s dive right in. Performance mobile app marketing on a wave UK-based firms increased their mobile performance ad budgets by almost 26% of the global average.
How streaming apps tailor their ad strategies to meet core demographics
Streaming apps are a dynamic bunch. Companies continually refine strategies to stay competitive and new data from Sensor Tower reveals the user demographic trends among major competitors in the space. As the streaming landscape evolves, Disney+ and others are adjusting digital ad strategies. Disney+, for instance, targets mature, high-spending users by increasing ad spending on platforms favoured by this demographic.
Mobile commands 97% share of India's gaming landscape
A recent analysis conducted by Niko Partners has taken a closer look at the mobile gaming market in India, highlighting significant growth in both revenue and the number of gamers. India’s gaming industry is on an upward trajectory, with projections indicating a revenue increase to $868 million in 2023, representing a 21.2% year-on-year growth. Let’s take a closer look.
CapCut video app sees $100 million milestone in consumer spend
CapCut, ByteDance’s video editing app, has achieved a staggering milestone, surpassing $100 million in consumer spend across iOS and Android devices, according to data.ai. Let’s dive in. CapCut by the numbers Originally launched in China in 2019, CapCut quickly gained momentum on the international stage, riding on the coattails of its wildly popular sibling, TikTok.
Adoption rate of Apple's Focus and Live Activities rises to 56% as users prioritise digital wellbeing
More and more people around the world care about their digital well-being. One out of every four consumers is using apps to reduce how much time they spend on screens or to avoid annoying interruptions. That’s according to new research shared by Airship.
Deciphering the App Store slowdown: why installs are declining
In the US App Store, many apps are experiencing a drop in downloads, even as the overall revenue generated from the App Store continues to rise. Data from app intelligence firm Appfigures reveals that some of the most prominent apps are gradually losing their appeal in the face of intensifying competition, which is contributing to an overall decline in app installations. So what exactly is happening?
77% of retailers believe apps drive store and website traffic
As the holiday shopping season approaches, retailers face the challenge of adapting to shifting consumer behaviour, with a strong emphasis on mobile app shopping. Shoppers are now more deliberate, with 74% planning their purchases in advance, managing budgets, and conducting thorough research and 42% consider holiday shopping easier thanks to apps and websites. That’s according to a survey of 450 retail app decision-makers by Google and Ipsos. Let’s dive right in.
QSR consumers are twice as likely to have streaming apps installed
During the Covid-19 pandemic, people flocked to their phones to order food through apps. While the trend to shop online has outlived the end of lockdowns, the market is more crowded than ever before and quick service restaurants (QSR) now must adapt their advertising campaigns to stand out.
Meta eyes paid subscriptions for its social app
Meta, the parent of Instagram and Facebook, is reportedly contemplating the idea of giving users the opportunity to avoid advertisements by subscribing to a paid service. According to the New York Times, Meta’s intention is to maintain free accessibility to its websites and apps. The specific pricing details for this subscription service have not been revealed at this point.
Chinese app stores enforce new rules
Mobile app stores in China, run by companies like Tencent and Xiaomi, are from releasing new apps if they haven’t met all the required rules from authorities. This follows new regulations introduced last month to have more control over mobile apps in the country. What’s happening in Chinese app stores? New regulations in China now mandate mobile app creators to share their business information with the government.
Google partners with game app developers to boost in-game rewards
Google has partnered with ten mobile game developers following the successful launch of its Play Live event. The partnership aims to provide players with exclusive in-game items, accessible through Play Points and underscores Google’s commitment to enhancing the gaming experience for its users.
More apps are embracing premium tiers to boost revenues
In an effort to diversify and generate more cash from subscriptions, apps are turning toward premium tiers. Dating apps such as Tinder, Match and Bumble are leading the way by introducing premium tiers that could run as high as $500 a month. Weekly isn’t enough Earlier this month, Tinder announced that it was to launch premium tiers for its membership subscriptions. And it’s far from the only one.
Instagram holds strong among creators amid TikTok's ascent
For content creators looking to share their work, Instagram is still the top choice according to a recent study by research firm Mavrck. That’s despite TikTok gaining momentum. Let’s dive in. Why creators are still flocking to Instagram The latest report reveals that a staggering 98% of creators opt for Instagram’s feed posts, Stories, and Reels to showcase their content. This positions Instagram as a leader in creator engagement, surpassing platforms like TikTok and Facebook in this aspect.
Consumers set to spend $108 billion on mobile gaming in 2023
Consumers globally are expected to allocate $108 billion towards mobile gaming in 2023, as per a new report by mobile analytics firm data.ai. The projection underscores the enduring popularity of mobile gaming, which is anticipated to account for over 56% of total global consumer spending within the gaming sector for 2023. In contrast, console game revenue is predicted to make up just 22% of the market share.
Clash Royale hits $4 billion revenue milestone, joins elite ranks in mobile gaming
Supercell’s Clash Royale game achieved the milestone of $4 billion in total revenue. The accomplishment is quite the rarity, shared by only 15 other mobile games. It solidifies Clash Royale’s position as a standout in the industry. Rising through the ranks New data from Sensor Tower shows that Clash Royale managed to achieve the revenue highlight in just 92 months, joining other titans of gaming.
Travel app installs surpass pre-pandemic levels by 18%
Travel apps are poised to generate $1.23 billion in revenue despite prevailing economic challenges, according to new data insights shared by Adjust. With the relaxation of most restrictions and stringent border controls, a trend known as “revenge travel,” people are eager to embark on journeys. Let’s dive in. Installs beyond pre-pandemic levels Based on Adjust‘s data, travel app installs exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 18% than the average of Q4 2019.
Bumble becomes second dating app ever to reach $2 billion in user spending
Popular dating app Bumble has crossed the $2 billion spending mark by users worldwide, becoming the second dating app to achieve this feat. The latest report comes from data.ai, the mobile analytics company, which studied Bumble’s success in the dating app market. What this means for Bumble? Data.ai’s analysis reveals that Bumble has joined a small group of just 52 mobile apps and games that have reached the $2 billion milestone.
New TikTok ad format lets brands engage search-focused app user
TikTok has just expanded its advertising tools in a move that could see more brands and marketers flock to the app. The brand new “Search Ads Toggle” helps advertisers to focus on individuals on the platform who are actively seeking more information about novel products or brands through search queries within the app’s search bar. So how does it work? What are Search Ads Toggle?
Rising costs lead to 2.3% hike in annual in-app subscription pricing
As of 2022, global economic difficulties and a rise in the inflation rate have affected the rate and pricing of in-app subscriptions. On average, there’s been a 1.29% monthly rise in mobile subscription costs, based on the latest data shared by app experts Adapty. Let’s dive into the report. Annual subscription price hikes A closer look at in-app subscription price changes reveals that annual prices grew 2.3% from an average $31 in January 2022 to $45 in 2023.
TikTok launches its own Shop allowing creators to sell products directly
Creators have flocked to TikTok Shop to offer up their products just two weeks ago after TikTok officially unveiled its shopping platform poised to reshape social commerce. But what’s in store for creators and app marketers? Why launch TikTok Shop? TikTok’s motivation behind this move is clear: it’s all about boosting the earning potential of its creators who are the main drivers behind the app’s success.
X stops advertisers using timeline for promotion, prioritising new approaches
Changing strategy, social media platform X, aka Twitter, has opted to pull the plug on advertisers using its timeline to push their accounts and reel in fresh followers. The development was noticed by Axios, quoting an email dispatched to advertising clients. What’s X doing now? According to the report, these boosted accounts, coined as “Follower Objective” ads, contribute a whopping $100 million in revenue annually to X’s coffers worldwide.
Setapp preparing to launch independent app store as Apple rules change
Setapp, an app subscription service, is getting ready to launch its own app store as a different choice. They’re planning to do this when new rules from the EU start next year. Setapp is relying on the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is supposed to let people put other apps on iOS without needing to use Apple’s App Store. Better revenue sharing for developers Setup currently offers a subscription service where users pay $9.99 per month to access more than 240 apps for their Mac.
Threads vs Twitter: from rival to retreat in 3 weeks
Within just three weeks, Threads seems to have gone from formidable Twitter rival to just another social app. Similarweb, the data aggregation and software firm, recorded a drastic decline of nearly 80 percent in daily user numbers, indicating a significant setback for the app. Could this spill the end for Threads? Capturing attention Similarweb data recorded a drop in daily active users on Android mobile devices, plummeting from 49 million to 11 million.
35% of consumers embrace cashless transactions through payment apps and mobile wallets
Mobile wallets and payment apps are all the rage, especially since the pandemic forced many into going cashless. But one mobile payment app stands out as being the favourite among customers – whether shopping online or in-store. Let’s find out more. The top payment apps are… A growing number of Americans are now using mobile wallets for their shopping transactions, according to recent insights from CivicScience.
In-app purchases increase 24% in H1 2023
The average eCPM dropped 26% on Android and 12% on iOS between H2 2022 and H1 2023. That’s according to the latest report from app and software firm Tenjin. Let’s dive in. Changes ahead While some might interpret the declining eCPMs as a sign of an impending transformation in how digital content is monetised, it’s crucial to recognise that ad monetisation remains a resilient and integral facet of the digital landscape.
China imposes business registration on app developers
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has revealed its latest move to exert control over the market, as it announced that all mobile app developers must soon register their businesses with the government. This directive marks Beijing’s continued efforts to regulate the sector.
48% of mobile game developers felt bullied and 61% released games under pressure
Plenty of mobile app gamers have a desire to be involved in game development, but it’s not all fun and games. The latest data from Sauce Labs, an automated testing platform, finds that nearly half have experienced online threats or bullying due to their involvement in a mobile game app. Let’s dive in. Feedback loop improvements Sauce Labs’ 2023 Gaming Experience Survey Report focuses on the mental well-being of game developers.
Users spent 2.5 trillion hours on Android apps in H1 2023
In 2023, consumers are spending far more time using their mobile phones and apps, amassing over 2.5 trillion hours on Android phones in H1. This marks a 4% rise from H2 2022 and a 16% increase year-over-year, according to new data from app experts data.ai. At this rate, consumers are projected to surpass 5 trillion hours on Android phones throughout 2023.
Duolingo's 'streak' feature drives record 17 million DAUs
If you’ve been wondering how exactly you could retain more of your app users, Duolingo may be a good one to turn to. The language app uses a unique approach to retaining app users through its ‘streak’ feature, which motivates users to maintain a consistent daily app usage. And the results of this approach are truly impressive with Duolingo achieving a record 17 million daily active users (DAUs) in June 2023. Let’s dive in.
Domino's Pizza reports 46% surge in app users
Domino’s Pizza just announced that app orders rose around 25% percentage points in H1 2023 versus the previous year. The latest financial results showed continued strong growth from H1 orders and market share gains. Here’s what’s happening. 46% rise in app users In the wake of the pandemic, food delivery apps have changed the way people order and enjoy their favourite meals.
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